How to Choose the Best Infant Cribs
A crib is among the most essential pieces of your baby's nursery. However, picking a suitable crib can be a daunting task, especially with so many various styles and security concerns.
Look for a crib that has the most stringent safety standards, including no chewable or dangling parts. We also suggest a crib with a broad range of mattress height settings and a modern design that complements your style.
Safety
When assembling and setting up your baby's crib make sure to follow safe sleep guidelines set out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid placing any objects that could cause injury or harm in the nursery of your baby. This includes blankets, pillows and sheepskins. Also, avoid bumper pads, stuffed toys and blankets. Your baby should also not sleep with any teddy bears, dolls or stuffed animals larger than 15 inches. These items could easily get caught between the crib bars or get stuck in them. They could also be swallowed by the mattress.
The best cribs for babies are made of safe materials that are free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals. They also comply with strict federal and state regulations for structural safety. They're also third-party tested to ensure safety and quality. (Think GREENGAURD Gold or ASTM, JMPA or CPSIA certificates!) And they are designed to be sustainable and convertible so they can expand with your child.
Whether you're buying new or used, it's crucial to choose cribs that meet today's rigorous safety standards. Used cribs can lose structural integrity over time due to humidity, age and use. This could create serious risks for your baby.
The crib's slats should be spaced no more than 3/8 inches (6 centimeters) apart to prevent babies from getting trapped between them and the hardware on the crib should be secure. It's an excellent idea to examine the slats and the rims of the mattress support for any broken or loose parts.
It's also wise to stay clear of cribs that have been used by other children or pets, as their security might be at risk. Also, don't purchase or purchase a secondhand crib that has the drop side rail which was deemed unsafe by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2012 due to security reasons.
Style
While all cribs have to adhere to strict safety standards, you'll find numerous design variations. Some are just cosmetic, like the slats have the same length or are spaced farther apart, while others can affect how easy it is to use and clean the crib. Certain features such as finials and drop sides aren't safe and should not be used. Other features, such as adjustable mattress height and wheels, are desirable by a lot of parents.
One thing to be aware of is that a crib should be used solely for sleep for infants, so it's not an ideal place to store toys or clothing. You can also put a crib in your registry to seek help from family and friends in the event that you require one.
Cribs come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, the ones we love best are those that combine style and function. For example, the Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is minimalist and looks sharp. It's also GREENGUARD gold-certified, which we think is a must for any product that is free of toxics. It can be converted into a toddler and daybed with a separate conversion kit.
Other cribs are more traditional, like the DaVinci Jayden 4 in 1. It's a chic option that can be incorporated into larger nursery. However, it takes up more floor space when compared to smaller, minimalist alternatives. Furthermore, it only has three mattress height levels which is less than half the alternatives and isn't as sturdy as some of our other picks.
why not try these out that has contemporary design is the Babyletto Hudson. Its concealed hardware and all-round mesh enhance airflow and allow you to see baby, which Dr. Casares says is an important feature for many new parents. It can also be elevated to a higher level to ease colic and reflux, making it suitable for babies aged from birth to 6 months. It's GREENGUARD GOLD certified and comes with an extra mattress that can be used as a substitute. It's worth noting, though it's more expensive than our other top choices and requires a separate toddler bed conversion kit.
Adjustable Mattress Height
If your baby sleeps in their crib, it's vital that the mattress is at the correct level. This will ensure that your child can't climb out and fall, which could be dangerous or even fatal. A higher mattress can also protect your child from overheating or suffocation.
A good crib should come with adjustable rails or slats which allow you to raise or lower it as your child grows. A conversion kit is included with the majority of cribs so that you can turn it into an adult daybed or a toddler bed once your child outgrows the crib. It's an excellent idea for you to choose a crib that is tested and certified by a third-party institution. This includes the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) seal and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which means it has been tested to ensure that there are minimal chemicals or finishes in the crib where your baby sleeps.
The Graco Sweet2Sleep crib is one of the best-rated cribs available and it's simple to put together, with a straightforward design that doesn't include any confusing parts or pieces. The sides of the crib are smaller than those of other cribs. However, one parent test subject said that their child was sleeping well and the crib was still in good shape when she gave it to a friend as her second child.
Another option that is worth considering is the Stokke Sleepi Crib, which is a unique oval-shaped design that gives it a modern style. It's more expensive than most cribs, but it's durable and comes with a number of options to make up the cost. It can be easily converted into an infant bed or a bassinet, and it has wheels to make it simple to move. It also comes with a canopy that can be utilized to create a child-like space for your baby. It's also an elegant look to any nursery.
The only issue with this crib is it doesn't have a mattress, which you'll need to purchase separately. But it's a safe and comfortable crib that can be adapted to your child's needs from a newborn to a toddler.
No Chewable or Dangling Parts
The safest cribs do not have chewable or dangling parts. If something is hanging over or below the crib, it could cause the rails to pull or pose a strangulation risk. Babies are very grabby. If a parent decorates their crib with toys or decorative items, they must ensure that the items are secured tightly and aren't in the reach of Baby.
We also examine how it is easy to build our top infant cribs. The ideal crib will be easy enough that you can make it yourself and doesn't require special tools or long assembly time. Many parents report that it takes less than an hour to put together the modern crib, and the directions are generally simple to follow.
A crib is an important purchase for many new parents, which is why it's important to find one that will last for years to come. Choose a crib that can be transformed from a crib to a toddler's bed, and then a full-size mattress.
The Ikea Nestig Cloud crib is our top pick for convertible cribs that can be used as a bassinet for the early months and then transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed or a larger bed. It's designed for the long haul and comes in a range of colors, making it easy to match your nursery's theme.
Stork Craft Equinox is another fantastic option. This beautiful, minimal-style crib is low-profile so that petite parents can reach their child and soothe them. It has a good reputation for quality, and comes in cherry, white and espresso colors.
This crib is Greenguard Gold Certified, which means that it is constructed from sustainable New Zealand pine and is free of toxins like lead and phthalates. It also exceeds the safety standards of the government, including ASTM, CPSC, and JPMA. The only thing that is missing is the toddler rail. You can buy it separately. This is a great option for those who are seeking a top-quality crib that is affordable and built to last.